Parenting is hard. Sometimes you have to be a wall of love and grace and firm boundaries while the fury and the flood of their raw emotions rages against you until it spends itself and falls into you, needing arms soft and warm and full of acceptance. Sometimes you...

Dear Dad, I miss you still. Some days without you are harder than others. Most are lovely now, slipping away quietly in the everyday nothings, like pearls from a string. Each with its own soft shine. But there are some that still just hurt. Lydia’s first choir...

It is anticipation, flutters and quickening. Life and growth and unparalleled beauty. It is squeals and coos, wriggles and dimples. Hanging scales with tiny feet peeking through. It is knowledge and wisdom, training and practice. Books and research, instinct and...

I long for real community. A place where women and their families can come together to connect, support, and just do life together. As I stood over my cutting board, processing 40 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts by myself, I thought how much more enjoyable...

My 2018 calendar is filling up with midwifery clients, conferences, and other amazing learning opportunities! I want you to be a part of it all, as I couldn’t do this work without you. It’s time to get busy and get a CAPPA Childbirth Educator Training...

My first CAPPA student to finish her certification as a CAPPA Certified Childbirth Educator! Meet Mariya Melby, CCCE. I asked her to share her journey, and she graciously agreed to answer a few questions. I can’t wait to see what she is going to do, and where...

Have you wanted to sign up for a CAPPA Childbirth Educator Training, but traveling to attend presents too great of an obstacle? Why not let me come to you instead? I don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity just because traveling isn’t an option!...

Good morning, Colorado Springs! I know it has been a minute since I blogged, but I love that you are here anyway, checking out whatever it is I’m writing for you. I love that November feels like a reset to me, almost like a New Year, because of the Internet...

A gift came my way I was loathe to refuse, though I knew rage would come. I apologize? I die to myself over and over again, though I know I’m not seen. I apologize? Walking on eggshells, every encounter is fragile, and I know I can’t win. I apologize? I...

The first day of full time, real life, public school for the three younger kiddos this year was August 16th. I was so nervous about the logistics of getting them hither and thither, but I needn’t have worried. It was no big deal. And the kids all had a good...

But you can call me Sunshine. “I'd like to add some beauty to life...I don't exactly want to make people KNOW more... though I know that IS the noblest ambition... but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me... to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born.” ~Anne Shirley

This is why I write. I hope to inspire, encourage, uplift, and maybe--once in awhile--teach you something new and useful. I am a wife, mother, homeschooler, student midwife, childbirth educator, Jesus follower, sister, and friend, and I am delighted that you stopped by! Stay awhile, and join the conversation!